The big question surrounding the start of the NBA Eastern Conference first-round playoff series between the fifth-seeded New York Knicks and No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday is the status of Knicks All-Star Julius Randle off injury.

Nitrobetting is ready to dish out key assists and lob passes with betting tips and news coverage throughout the 2023 NBA Playoffs. This time, let’s break down the upcoming Game 1 first-round showdown between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game 1 2023 NBA Playoffs First-Round Information

SEE YOU SATURDAY, CLEVELAND. #LetEmKnow

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) April 10, 2023

• When: Saturday, April 15, 2023, 6:00 PM ET
• Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH
• TV: ESPN
• Radio: 98.7 FM ESPN New York (Knicks) // WTAM 1100 AM (Cavaliers)
• Live Stream: NBA League Pass
• NBA Betting Odds: Knicks (+5.5) / Cavaliers (-5.5)

READ MORE: Nets vs. 76ers 2023 NBA Playoffs Odds and Game 1 Preview – April 15th

Why Bet on the New York Knicks?

New York was 3-1 vs. Cleveland this season and won the most recent matchup 130-116 in Cleveland on March 31. Knicks All-Star Julius Randle was out and Jalen Brunson stepped up with a career-high 48 points. He missed a floater in the final seconds that would have given him 50 points. Brunson finished 18 of 32 from the floor and made seven three-pointers while handing out nine assists. Leading by three, the Knicks outscored the Cavs 14-2 to open the fourth and the game was basically over. Donovan Mitchell, nearly traded to the Knicks this offseason, led Cleveland with 42 points. The Cavs were without two of their top defenders, center Jarrett Allen (groin) and Isaac Okoro (knee).

Randle missed the final five games of the Knicks’ regular season after sustaining an ankle injury in a March 29 win over Miami. He is set to be re-evaluated this week after he was initially given a two-week rest period. It sounds as if Randle will make it back for Game 1.

While not yet cleared for contact, he has been taking part in practices and is out of a walking boot. Randle appeared in all 77 games before his injury and averaged a career-best 25.1 points with 10 rebounds. He put up 69 points, 31 rebounds and 15 assists in three games against the Cavs this season.

Overall, Randle ranks 7th in points (25.1 points) and 4th in rebounds (10.1 rebounds) in the Eastern Conference. He is one of four players in the NBA averaging at least 20.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists (Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic) and is sixth in the NBA with 40 double-doubles. Randle has been cooking on the road this season with 16 games of 30 points which is tied for the most 30-point games on the road in franchise history.

Brunson and Randle are the first pair of teammates in Knicks history to each have at least four 40-point games in the same season. Brunson has recorded 17 30-point performances this season. Those are the fifth-most in a season by a guard in franchise history. Richie Guerin holds the franchise record for 30-point games in a season for the Knicks with 36 (1961-62).

Brunson ranks fourth in the NBA with 139 clutch points. He is shooting 51.1% including 37.5% from downtown during clutch time with only four turnovers. Brunson is also one of two players in the NBA averaging at least 23.5 points, 6.0 assists and 3.5 rebounds.

Why Bet on the Cleveland Cavaliers?

The Cavs have improved their record in each of the last four seasons and this season marked the 12th season in franchise history that Cleveland secured 50+ wins. Cleveland finished the season 6th in the NBA in wins at home (31-10). The Cavaliers are playing the Knicks for the fourth time in the playoffs (1977-78, 1994-95 and 1995-96). It is the 23rd time in Cavs history they have reached the postseason.

Mitchell had 13 games this season with at least 40 points, marking the 2nd-most 40-point games all-time for an NBA player’s first season with a new team, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain (32 in 1959-60, PHI). Mitchell also recorded a franchise-best and career-high 245 made three-pointers this season (4th in NBA) and finished averaging a career-high 28.3 PPG (7th in NBA). He ended the season recording four straight games with at least 40 points, a franchise record and first NBA player since James Harden in 2018-19.

Backcourt mate Darius Garland shot a career-best .410% from deep this season and also ranked 7th in the NBA in assists per game (7.8 APG). He became the 4th Cavalier aged 23 or younger to have back-to-back seasons averaging at least 20 points, joining LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Collin Sexton.

The Cavs were 1 of just 3 teams (Boston, Philadelphia) to rank in the Top 10 in the NBA in both offensive (8th, 115.5) and defensive rating (1st, 109.9).

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Betting Trends

• Knicks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
• Knicks are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 Saturday games.
• Cavaliers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 home games.
• Cavaliers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game 1 Expert Betting Predictions

Cavs 110, Knicks 106.

Where to Bet on the 2022-23 NBA season with Bitcoin

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This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more 2022-23 NBA season previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest basketball betting odds on our online BTC sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.